UCEN is a national, private higher education institution with nonprofit purposes, whose commitment to the country drives in the academic training of socially conscious citizens, promoting the values of tolerance, pluralism and equality, respect and acceptance of diversity.

Founded in 1982, UCEN is, along with two other institutions, the oldest private university in Chile. It currently holds a professional institute, regional headquarters in La Serena and Antofagasta and nine faculties which offer 30 undergraduate, diploma graduate, master and postgraduate degrees. The university especially supports research through study centers, research institutes, and an Internal Research Fund, in addition to research work carried out in the faculties and schools.

With more than 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the University confirms its success as a unique case in the Chilean university system.